Fusilero: Tomas swayed by wrong information

CEBU, Philippines - Harsh words were uttered by retired police general Tiburcio “Tiboy” Fusilero against Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña for being allegedly swayed by false information.

Osmeña, who was visited recently by residents of sitio Cantipla in the city’s mountain barangay of Tabunan, assured them help and protection from the reported harassment of Fusilero and his men as long as the residents are long-time voters of the city.

The mayor said he is mounting a detachment in the affected areas which are to be manned by police personnel chosen by the residents themselves.

Osmeña assured that once found that these affected residents are long-time voters, he would definitely move for the revocation of the reforestation Memorandum of Agreement between Fusilero and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Fusilero is authorized to undertake a reforestation project which will run for 25 years.

Fusilero said that Osmeña’s pronouncements were “not that of a person with a normal mind.”

However, Osmeña said that “he is entitled to his own comment.”

Fusilero asked the mayor to “know the real issue which is not harassment but environmental protection.”

He denied harassing the farmers of Cantipla and the other barangays which are categorized as protected areas.

He said he has nothing to advise to the mayor since the latter is already knowledgeable, but pleaded him to study the matter further so as not to be misinformed.

Fusilero, who had been a regional director of the Central Visayas for two years, said that he was the one harassed by the farmers last week contrary to reports.

But Farmers Resource Development Center lawyer Kim Grace Mendoza was quick to say she was present when Fusilero’s men allegedly harassed the residents with high-powered firearms.

Osmeña said he let the City Council do its part and that he will act according to their recommendation. The mayor said he is not angry with Fusilero for having said the harsh words.

“He is not worth it,” was Osmeña’s reply. — Ferliza C. Contratista/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)